The prevention and treatment of breast cancer- related lymphedema: A review

Abstract

BackgroundBreast cancer- related lymphedema (BCRL) affects about 3 to 5 million patients worldwide, with about 20,000 per year in the United States. As breast cancer mortality is declining due to improved diagnostics and treatments, the long-term effects of treatment for BCRL need to be addressed.MethodsThe American Society of Breast Surgeons Lymphatic Surgery Working Group conducted a large review of the literature in order to develop guidelines on BCRL prevention and treatment. This was a comprehensive but not systematic review of the literature. This was inclusive of recent randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and reviews evaluating the prevention and treatment of BCRL. There were 25 randomized clinical trials, 13 systemic reviews and meta-analyses, and 87 observational studies included.ResultsThe findings of our review are detailed in the paper, with each guideline being analyzed with the most recent data that the group found evidence of to suggest these recommendations.ConclusionsPrevention and treatment of BCRL involve a multidisciplinary team. Early detection, before clinically apparent, is crucial to prevent irreversible lymphedema. Awareness of risk factors and appropriate practice adjustments to reduce the risk aids are crucial to decrease the progression of lymphedema. The treatment can be costly, time- consuming, and not always effective, and therefore, the overall goal should be prevention.

Incidence and risk factors of breast cancer-related lymphedema in Korea: a nationwide retrospective cohort study

“…This chronic condition is associated with functional disability and psychosocial impacts in patients. BCRL affects about 3–5 million patients per year worldwide 18 . The incidence of BCRL in patients who underwent breast cancer treatment has been reported to vary widely from 1 to 65% according to the duration of follow-up, therapeutic modality and extent, and diagnostic criteria of BCRL 19 .…”

Mexican breast cancer consensus. Multidisciplinary care in breast cancer

“…There is an increase in the risk of second non-breast neoplasms associated with RT to the chest wall for breast cancer (relative risk [RR]: 1.12). The risk of suffering from lung cancer, esophageal cancer or radiation-induced sarcoma should be taken into account during RT planning (RR: 1.39, RR: 1.53 and RR: 2.53, respectively) 65 .…”

Consenso mexicano de cáncer mamario. Cuidados multidisciplinarios en cáncer de mama

“…Existe un aumento en el riesgo de segundas neoplasias no mamarias asociadas a la RT a pared torácica por cáncer de mama (riesgo relativo [RR]: 1.12). El riesgo de padecer cáncer de pulmón, esofágico o sarcoma inducido por radiación debe tomarse en cuenta durante la planeación de RT (RR: 1.39, RR: 1.53 y RR: 2.53 respectivamente) 65 .…”